Cedar Rapids Jefferson relies on quality over quantity

CEDAR RAPIDS — Quality over quantity.

Cedar Rapids Jefferson doesn't have much depth, but head coach Brian Webb likes the players who will suit up this season.

'We don't have a large squad similar to some other schools,' said Webb, starting his fifth year leading Jefferson. 'We'll have a lot of two-way players. The players we do have are quality.'

The J-Hawks will attempt to rebound from a 2-7 record and return to the playoffs after being a year removed from their first back-to-back playoff appearances in 2014 and 2015. Jefferson opens at Pleasant Valley on Aug. 25.

The roster consists of 34 players, including 22 seniors. The first string has plenty of experience.

'I think our team is in a great position,' senior quarterback Noah Vawter said. 'Everybody is all in. Everybody wants to win. Everyone has the goal of making it to the (UNI) Dome, at least making it to the playoffs, because we have a good team this year. I'm ready.'

Missing last year's playoffs did not sit well with the returning J-Hawks. They made an effort to train during the summer, visiting the weight room in greater numbers than any of Webb's previous Jefferson teams.

'I think the transition from last year to this year, we want to win,' Vawter said. 'We want to bring Jefferson back to what it's supposed to be. Everybody had that goal. We all wanted to show up and get better.'

Webb already is seeing the impact of the offseason work. The J-Hawks have confidence, setting their sights on a district title and aspiring to play in the state semifinals in the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Webb said the players set their own lofty goals and the coaches have identified the steps to achieve them.

'The attitudes and body language have been fantastic,' Webb said. 'They have set some really high expectations for themselves.'

Jefferson returns 10 of 11 starters on defense, including all-state defensive lineman Kennen Stewart and linebacker Josh Furrow. They return as the top leading tacklers followed by linebacker T.J. Kuennen and defensive back Matt Moore.

The J-Hawks have some huge cleats to fill with the one loss to graduation. Tavian Rashed led Jefferson in tackles the last two seasons and is the career leader in stops at Jefferson.

The 6-foot-3 Stewart may step into that role, bulking up to 263 pounds. He has the ability to be one of two run-stopping bookends with 6-3, 350-pound Jagves Garnett. Stewart had 44 tackles, including seven solo for loss and three solo sacks.

'Kennen Stewart will be our mainstay,' Webb said. 'He's a Division-I recruit. He caused a lot of fits last year.'

Stewart prefers disrupting plays, beating opposing linemen. The way Stewart and Garnett could demand double-team blocking, he is willing to occupy blockers to free up teammates.

'If I can open up a hole, they (linebackers) can make the tackle,' Stewart said. 'Getting into the backfield is good, but I just do what Coach (and defensive coordinator Chris) Buesing says and that is to do my job. Help other people. If I can't make the tackle then open up the hole so they can. Just be a team player.'

With the defense's potential to contain offenses, the skill positions have promise. Vawter threw for 324 yards and rushed for 147 with four touchdowns last season.

'He can run,' Webb said. 'He can throw. He makes smart decisions. He's a great student and leader. He has all the intangibles you want in a quarterback.'

Seniors Kyler Bell and Mitchell Hall are expected to make an impact offensively as a wideout and slot/receiver. Kenny Moore and Kuennen will be targets at tight end.

Stewart moved to offensive line, making Matt Moore (10 carries, 62 yards) and Furrow (14-54) as the J-Hawks' top rushers from a year ago. The second-team all-district duo also are the top returning receivers, combining for 290 yards and 28 catches.

Webb said senior Matt Storm and sophomore Jacob Thompson have done well offensively. James Baugh is another possible playmaker for assistant coach Jermelle Lewis, who takes over the play calling duties this season.

The J-Hawks will have lots of options and speed to work with on offense.

'It's not rocket science,' Webb said. 'Get your athletes the ball.

'We've devised some good schemes to get our best kids in space and get them the ball. That's what wins football games.'

When it comes to victories, the J-Hawks will strive for quantity.

Jefferson, at a glance 

Coach: Brian Webb (5th season, 33-35)

Last year: 2-7 (Did not qualify; Fourth in District)

Top returning letterwinners: DL/OL Kennen Stewart, QB Noah Vawter, RB/LB Josh Furrow, WR/DB Kyler Bell, TE/LB T.J. Kuennen, RB/DB Matt Moore, WR/DB Mitchell Hall, WR/DB Logan Klein, OL/DL Jagves Garnett, OL/DL Taylor Viktora, OL/DL Jacob Sherzer.

Key losses: RB/LB Tavian Rashed. QB Dylan Hart, WR Jacob Henderson, RB Devonte Taylor, DB Tyler Unkel, K/P Tyler Hefflefinger.

Key to making the playoffs: The key for the J-Hawks is quantity over quality. Jefferson is not deep. They must stay injury free, get the ball to their playmakers at skill positions and rely on their defense, which returns 10 starters.

Games to watch: The J-Hawks open district play on Sept 22 against Cedar Rapids Washington, which is one of the favorites along with Cedar Falls. The following week at Waterloo West will be a good gauge. They head to the UNI-Dome Oct. 13 to face the Tigers, setting them up for a chance to earn a playoff berth.

Schedule

Aug. 25 — at Pleasant Valley

Aug. 31 — Cedar Rapids Prairie

Sept. 8 — at Linn-Mar

Sept. 15 — Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Sept. 22 — Cedar Rapids Washington

Sept. 29 — at Waterloo West

Oct. 5 — Waterloo East

Oct. 13 — at Cedar Falls

Oct. 20 — Mason City

l Comments: (319) 368-8679; kj.pilcher@thegazette.com